Welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews Tawny Taylor! Thank you so much for taking the time to interview with us about your new release Siren’s Dance, upcoming releases, writing and life in general.


Can you tell us a little about Siren’s Dance?

Writing Siren’s Dance was the biggest challenge of my career (to date). It was not only my first attempt at a futuristic novel--which was intimidating. I didn’t want to do a miserable job of it--but also the book written while I was pregnant with my last child. As a result of all those pregnancy hormones flooding my system, this book has a slightly different tone from my other books. It’s more serious and delves into more complicated issues. I adore this book. It will always be special because of when it was written, the unique and special characters within its pages, and the fascinating world they inhabit.

In summary, the story is about a dancer who wants to deny who she is and what she needs in life and the man who challenges her to open her eyes to both.

What or who inspires you to write?

Regardless of my hectic life--or maybe because of it--I find myself dreaming up plotlines at all times of the day and night. The story ideas often come from movies, books, newspaper articles, song titles, bits of overheard conversation in public places like restaurants or gas stations, and even dreams. I can usually work out a rough plotline in a couple of hours if I set my mind to it.

How do you find the time to write?

This is truly my biggest challenge. There are days when I sit at my desk in tears because I cannot get five minutes to write in peace. When I say I have a houseful of kids, I mean it. And unlike some folks’ kids, even my oldest children are not particularly self sufficient. Don’t get me wrong, I love them all more than life itself but all day long they bombard me with interruptions, from the youngest fussing because he wants to nurse to the oldest because he wants the keys to the car. Yet, every morning I get up, take care of my personal needs, fill a half-dozen cereal bowls and then plop my butt in my chair and turn on the computer, hoping I’ll get five, ten or even fifteen pages done. Only recently, I joined our local city-owned health center because membership includes two hours of free day care for my three youngest kids. Instead of spending that time aerobicizing or swimming laps, I think I’ll spend that time in the lobby, pecking at my handheld computer’s fold-out keyboard J Someday, I’m going to buy myself an Alphie.

What is your writing schedule?

I don’t have a schedule. At relatively quiet times of the day--like when my five and six year old kids aren’t threatening homicide--I park myself at my desk and write.

What do like best about being a writer?

I can do my work anywhere. I also love the escape of writing. I become immersed in the story, the characters, and the world I’m creating while I’m writing. And I love that I can write while my youngest--and final--baby naps on my shoulder.

What do like least about writing?

That I need to think while I’m writing--that it’s something that can’t be easily multi-tasked. If only I could write while feeding babies, taking kids on field trips, and running errands I’d get tons more accomplished.

Why write erotic romance?

Because it’s fun and challenging. On a side-note: it’s too amusing watching people’s reactions when I tell them what I write. Eyes bugging, jaws dropping, cheeks flushing. Naturally, the first question people ask is: “Do you actually do the stuff you write about?” My answer: “We do have seven children. I think that goes without saying.” LOL

Do you write any real life experiences into your novels?

Despite what I wrote above, not usually. My novels are--outside of references to local geography--one hundred percent fiction. For one thing, it’s not safe to have a BDSM dungeon in the basement, next to the kid’s collection of oversized Little Tykes toys and stuffed animals.

When you’re not writing what authors do you like to read?

I love funny paranormals. Mary Janice Davidson and Katie MacAlister top my list. I enjoyed Dakota Cassidy’s narcoleptic vampire story too. Have any recommendations? E-book, print, either is good for me. I love to read.

What keeps you motivated?

The stories motivate me. In addition, my husband cheers me on daily, my family is extremely supportive, and the readers are wonderful. Writing can be grueling, frustrating work at times so motivation is essential. It gets me through those moments when I sit at my desk, staring at a blank screen wondering if I have another story to tell.

Any tips for aspiring writers?

The business of publishing is tough and the odds are definitely against you. You have to do everything in your power to tip the scale. Take writing workshops, join writer’s groups and find yourself a critique partner. Also, Read, Read, Read. Read the books published by your dream house. Read books written by upcoming authors in breakout subgenres. Read books written by NYT best sellers. Read contest entries by fellow unpublished authors. Look at how the published authors build their story, how they use conflict, how they build characters. Look at the Big Picture. Mediocre (but grammatically correct) writing won’t necessarily keep you from getting published. Poor storytelling will.

How long did it take to get published?

From the time I sat down to write my first romance novel (which seriously sucked!) to the date I signed my first contract: two years.

How many books have you written?

Oh, Eek! Dozens. I probably have six, seven books (at least) on my computers that I wrote before I was published, books that’ll never see the light of day. They’re awful. Then I have the ones that have been published or are awaiting release. Total, between both pseudonyms (Sydney Laine Allan is my non-erotic name), I have...this can’t be right...15 books/novellas published or soon to be published? Wow. A couple years ago, I never would’ve imagined this.

Tell us about your upcoming titles.

Are you ready? I have a big summer coming up. LOL

In June, I’m expecting my Echelon Press Men of Entice novella to release. Caribbean Heat is a time travel-slash-pirate story. It’s exciting and steamy, the hero’s character fashioned after a character created by none other than yummy cover model Peter Dicicco.

In July, I have the second story from the Body and Soul Series coming out. That’s a paranormal--the story of the fire-setting ghost from Book I, Jeremy Burbank and a psychic wanna-be. This book was a riot to write.

In August, I have a contemporary novella, also releasing through EC, titled Sexual Healing. It’s a reunion story between two former lovers--a book reviewer for a local newspaper and her ex-flame and author of a very unusual book. I adore reunion stories {sigh}.

And in September I have a non-erotic paranormal book releasing through Cerridwen Press. About Monday is kind of a twist on a Freaky Friday concept. The heroine swaps bodies with her model-perfect co-worker and falls in love with her ex-fiancé.

Can you tell us about your work in progress?

At the moment, I’m writing a funny, sexy vampire romance, the second book in a new series I started this spring. I turned in the first book only today, so I can’t give you any details yet. Have to wait to hear official news on whether it’s been accepted.

Where can readers find out more about you?

My website: www.tawnytaylor.com or email me. I’m happy to respond to emails. tawnytaylor@sbcglobal.net

Is there any way for fans to get news and updates?

I update my site frequently. I’ve also launched a newsletter, though it only comes out every couple of months. I’m a very bad newsletter editor.

Tawny, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us here at FAR.

Thank you for your time!

You can find out more about Tawny's current and upcoming releases at http://www.tawnytaylor.com.


Interviewed by: Tracey